Recordings

Es ist ein Rose

Music from Palestrina to Pärt, written in honor of the Virgin Mary.

All of the music on this recording, from Palestrina to Pärt, was written in honor of the Virgin Mary. The first eight selections are songs of praise, with texts from the Medieval and Renaissance periods (and one Early American) but mostly in modern choral settings. The following five selections tell Mary’s story from the Annunciation through her sorrows at seeing her Son crucified on the cross.

This recording took two years to complete. Unlike many a cappella groups, Pastyme does not record layered tracks in a studio. Our sound is strictly ensemble, and the recordings were made live in venues in Asheville and Montreat, North Carolina. The musical interpretations are the result of the collaboration of all eight musicians, without an individual director. Recorded in 2007.

Descends the Snow

The music on this recording comes from a wide range of traditions and styles, all celebrating the winter season. The selections include Renaissance polyphony, jazz arrangements of old favorites, contemporary compositions based on ancient chant, and modern carols, including several that have never been recorded for release before. Most of these pieces celebrate the Christmas season, but many others reflect on the simpler joys and traditions of the season - the warmth of the fire, the silence of the falling snow, and the sharing of the spirit of the season with friends and family. We hope that this music becomes a part of your own holiday tradition.

Unlike some a cappella groups, Pastyme does not record layered tracks in a studio because we believe that our choral sound is much more than the sum of individual voices. Our sound is strictly ensemble, and the recordings were made live. Recorded 2011.